New Layout - 'Hufeisental'

[Alan Kettlewell]

Austria and over the hills to Switzerland. 

 

I was made aware by 'Satan's Goldfish' (many thanks) of the never was line that's been proposed (more than once) which would continue on from Scuol-Tarasp on the RHB into Austria - the Engadine line - to Landeck.  I became interested in this as it's a potential for a back story for my metre gauge connection to Switzerland.

 

Here's a map with the RhB and the proposed Engadine line overlaid on it:

 

  
If anyone is interesting in further reading, I came across this 2011 proposal in PDF:  
https://www.gr.ch/DE/institutionen/verwaltung/bvfd/ds/projekte/nvv/Berichte%20NVV/Linienfuehrung%20Scuol%20Landeck.pdf

 

Whilst I was reading up on this I became interested in the short private line that runs from Bludenz to Shruns in the Montafon Region of Austria - the Montafonerbahn or MBS. 

 

A link here about it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montafonerbahn

 

My story involves extending the Montafonerbahn (MBS) further down the valley and a new line from there to connect up with the RhB.  And the rest, as they say, is history - well in my case, fiction.    Here  goes: 

  

Following problems with the main Innsbruck to Zurich line on the difficult Arlberg section and the Arlberg tunnel often suffering delays to international traffic due to weather problems and rock falls, the OBB have adopted the Montafonerbahn route between Bludenz and Shruns, and furthermore have extended the line all the way through the valley and round to join the Arlberg line near Landeck.  The aim being to provide an alternative route for international trains and to improve transport into the skiing and holiday resorts of the Montafon and Silvetta regions.

 

This map and rough sketch shows the short MBS line (green), my new extension (purple) following the valley all the way round and joining up with the Arlberg line near Landeck.   The blue line is the earlier Engadine line proposal and of course the RhB shown in red:

 

Once the new extension was underway it did not take OBB and RhB chiefs long to realise there was a new alternative and much shorter route possible, linking the RhB to the extended Montafon line.  The new link would be built heading south west from Sankt Gallenkirch along the Gargellan Valley, with a tunnel diving under the Swiss-Austrian border and emerging in the short valley on the Swiss side and on to Klosters on the RhB. 

 

The new pass is shown here:

 

So there we have it.  On my layout, the OBB station on level 3 will represent Sankt Gallenkirch and the metre gauge mountain line will represent the RhB line going from there to Klosters.  Level 3 on my layout is in fact a circular single line route so that will become the fictitious 'triangular' route in the story. 

 

Next up , next steps ...

 

 

 

 

 

[Alan Kettlewell]

To fit in with the above scenario/plan, I've began collecting a few pieces of rolling stock of the Montafonerbahn (the MBS).  Stock in the MBS livery is proving difficult to find so I watch for them coming up on ebay where I bought these items:

 

 

 

 

I'm also working out what other OBB stock I have that I can run on this line.  Plenty of local EMUs and DMUs I reckon and bearing in mind it's an alternative international route when the Arlberg line is blocked I expect to see the occasional Taurus hauled Railjet through there, the odd EC train and the Orient Express is possible.   I may have to swap out some DB trains for OBB locos and EMUs as my stock collection is a bit biased towards DB.  All this as well as stocking up on the lovely Bemo metre gauge stuff for the mountain line - better get some unwanted stuff on ebay to pay for all this!

 

So that's my revised plan for the layout complete with fictitious back story.  I've enjoyed doing this bit of research to come up with this little story and I hope it hasn't been too boring to follow.  I was not sure whether such fictional back scenarios are of any interest (except to the person inventing it) but overall it's another aspect to the hobby and helps to add a reason for the layout to exist - and I like that real places and lines - the Montafonabahn and the RhB in this case - can be incorporated giving an opportunity to collect appropriate models.

 

Anyway, thanks for following.  I promise I'll get on with the new mountain line and get some trains going over the big bridge quite soon.

 

Cheers … Alan

Edited December 22, 2018 by Alan Kettlewell

[Denbridge]

To fit in with the above scenario/plan, I've began collecting a few pieces of rolling stock of the Montafonerbahn (the MBS).  Stock in the MBS livery is proving difficult to find so I watch for them coming up on ebay where I bought these items:

 

_20181210_162556.jpg

 

Screenshot_20181210-190333.png

 

 

I'm also working out what other OBB stock I have that I can run on this line.  Plenty of local EMUs and DMUs I reckon and bearing in mind it's an alternative international route when the Arlberg line is blocked I expect to see the occasional Taurus hauled Railjet through there, the odd EC train and the Orient Express is possible.   I may have to swap out some DB trains for OBB locos and EMUs as my stock collection is a bit biased towards DB.  All this as well as stocking up on the lovely Bemo metre gauge stuff for the mountain line - better get some unwanted stuff on ebay to pay for all this!

 

So that's my revised plan for the layout complete with fictitious back story.  I've enjoyed doing this bit of research to come up with this little story and I hope it hasn't been too boring to follow.  I was not sure whether such fictional back scenarios are of any interest (except to the person inventing it) but overall it's another aspect to the hobby and helps to add a reason for the layout to exist - and I like that real places and lines - the Montafonabahn and the RhB in this case - can be incorporated giving an opportunity to collect appropriate models.

 

Anyway, thanks for following.  I promise I'll get on with the new mountain line and get some trains going over the big bridge quite soon.

 

Cheers … Alan

Do you have an actual track plan of your empire you could post?

[Alan Kettlewell]

Do you have an actual track plan of your empire you could post?

Hi,

 

It's quite difficult to post one which is viewable. But I'll try! For starters here's a link to the earlier screen shots of the layout diagrammes from the Train Controller software, you'll need to scroll down the page a way:

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/102367-new-layout-hufeisental/page-1

 

Although schematic, this will give you an idea of how it is laid out. Level 1 and 2 are on one screen and the third level is on another. This was how it was at the outset but not much has changed since except for the big bridge between the two mountains and a few small details here and there.

 

It all started with isometric sketches on paper then the original plan was made in software called Abracadata - quite old software but it was good enough for the job. If you like I can dig it out and maybe do a screenshot of it ..

 

Cheers... Alan

Edited December 22, 2018 by Alan Kettlewell

[Alan Kettlewell]

Do you have an actual track plan of your empire you could post?

 

Sorry but I can't reproduce the original track diagramme from the software I used to design it - there were some details that I never finished in it.  Basically, got so far then just got on with building it!

 

However I've done screen shots of the current track diagrammes as they are in the Train Controller software.  Again, it's schematic but it is accurate - it has to be to control the layout.  You'll need to look at the three separate screens and mentally link them up using the 'connectors' - these are the small letters in square boxes that show where the track connects to another screen.  Also, it can be difficult to visualise in 2D because there are storage yards positioned above each other.  Each level is highlighted in a different track colour.

 

Here you go:

Level 1 and 2.  Note that the spirals are actually vertical helices.  Look for the connectors to the next screen: 

 

This small screen shows the hidden storage yard on level 2.  This storage yard is 20cm above the Level 1 storage yard:

 

Finally, Level 3 representing Austria.  The 3 track storage yard is about 20cms directly above the level 2 storage yard.  On this screen is the top station where the metre gauge line begins.  The station will be known as Sankt Gallenkirch.

 

Thanks for your interest.

 

Cheers … Alan

[Denbridge]

Sorry but I can't reproduce the original track diagramme from the software I used to design it - there were some details that I never finished in it.  Basically, got so far then just got on with building it!

 

However I've done screen shots of the current track diagrammes as they are in the Train Controller software.  Again, it's schematic but it is accurate - it has to be to control the layout.  You'll need to look at the three separate screens and mentally link them up using the 'connectors' - these are the small letters in square boxes that show where the track connects to another screen.  Also, it can be difficult to visualise in 2D because there are storage yards positioned above each other.  Each level is highlighted in a different track colour.

 

Here you go:

Level 1 and 2.  Note that the spirals are actually vertical helices.  Look for the connectors to the next screen: 

TC L1 and 2 screen shot.png

 

This small screen shows the hidden storage yard on level 2.  This storage yard is 20cm above the Level 1 storage yard:

TC L2 yard screen shot.png

 

Finally, Level 3 representing Austria.  The 3 track storage yard is about 20cms directly above the level 2 storage yard.  On this screen is the top station where the metre gauge line begins.  The station will be known as Sankt Gallenkirch.

TC L3 Screenshot.png

 

Thanks for your interest.

 

Cheers … Alan

many thanks. I can visualise the layout better now. Cheers.

[Alan Kettlewell]

many thanks. I can visualise the layout better now. Cheers.

You are welcome. An interesting factoid: If I run a train around all 3 levels and back to the start point, it covers 6 scale miles.

 

Cheers ... Alan

[brittannia]

Alan you certainly have alot of patience listing your Track pans etc, it is I am sure most welcome from all your followers on your Hufeisental Topic Page .Like your recent purchases, the Loco looks a little similar to the K bays, I have a Trix and Brawa one of which has a working smoke element as well as the electric pantographs!

Edited December 23, 2018 by brittannia

[Alan Kettlewell]

Alan you certainly have alot of patience listing your Track pans etc, it is I am sure most welcome from all your followers on your Hufeisental Topic Page .Like your recent purchases, the Loco looks a little similar to the K bays, I have a Trix and Brawa one of which has a working smoke element as well as the electric pantographs!

You might mean like this one I'm watching:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/43066-Brawa-EG1-E73-K-Bay-Sts-E-Electric-Locomotive-similar-Roco/332957618005

 

I really like the KBay livery and these old timers look exquisite.

 

The MBS liveried loco in my picture further up is OBB class 1045.

 

Cheers ... Alan

[brittannia]

You might mean like this one I'm watching:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/43066-Brawa-EG1-E73-K-Bay-Sts-E-Electric-Locomotive-similar-Roco/332957618005

 

I really like the KBay livery and these old timers look exquisite.

 

The MBS liveried loco in my picture further up is OBB class 1045.

 

Cheers ... Alan

Yes that is one of them not a bad price,. my other {trix] is about a third longer in length with sound and the smoke element.

Edited December 24, 2018 by brittannia

[Alan Kettlewell]

Well look what I got for Christmas! Almost 68 years of not so careful living including a quarter of a century doing tough things in the Army and not a single fracture - then whammmo- a broken ankle just out walking the dog! Unbelievable.

 

 

So unfortunately I won't be making any progress down the shed for a few weeks. Luckily I have a new model station building I can spend time making in the modelling room up in the house.

 

Cheers ... Alan

[Satan's Goldfish]

Bad days! Hope it heals quick for you Alan

[Allegheny1600]

Whoops!

Sorry to see how your Christmas was upset, I hope you make a full recovery soon.

At least, when you're a bit better, you can catch up with building some of your kits (indoors too, eh) - if you're like me, you'll have a stash of them!

All the best,

John.

[Daveloco1]

Hi Alan

 

Just caught up with this. What were you doing? too much red wino mucho conlapso over dinner?

So society meetings cancelled for now. The things people to do to avoid buying a round in the club house eh!

 

Seriously though Al, sorry to hear about your misadventure. I'll drop in some time soon for a catch up.

In the meantime take care and get on building those kits while you recover.

 

Best Wishes Mate

 

Dave

[eastwestdivide]

Ouch. Can you recycle the plaster cast into layout scenery when you get better?

[Alan Kettlewell]

Hi Alan

 

Just caught up with this. What were you doing? too much red wino mucho conlapso over dinner?

So society meetings cancelled for now. The things people to do to avoid buying a round in the club house eh!

 

Seriously though Al, sorry to hear about your misadventure. I'll drop in some time soon for a catch up.

In the meantime take care and get on building those kits while you recover.

 

Best Wishes Mate

 

Dave

Hi Dave,

 

Many thanks. I guess we'll have to play it off the cuff as to when we can reconvene the next 'club' meeting. Nice when we have a full cast present but I won't be getting plastered! I'm still getting used to the crutches so I don't yet trust myself on them sober never mind after a few sherbets.

 

We'll sort something out to be sure.

 

Cheers ... Al

Edited December 28, 2018 by Alan Kettlewell

[Alan Kettlewell]

Ouch. Can you recycle the plaster cast into layout scenery when you get better?

A good question and funnily enough, guess what I was thinking when they were wrapping all that 'mod-roc' round my leg ...

 

Cheers ... Alan

[Denbridge]

Well look what I got for Christmas! Almost 68 years of not so careful living including a quarter of a century doing tough things in the Army and not a single fracture - then whammmo- a broken ankle just out walking the dog! Unbelievable.

20181226_131852.jpg

So unfortunately I won't be making any progress down the shed for a few weeks. Luckily I have a new model station building I can spend time making in the modelling room up in the house.

Cheers ... Alan

ouch.i always suspected that exercise was bad for ones health

Haha. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[PaulRhB]

Oops! Well I can sympathise as I broke mine back in 2004 after scrambling over rocks on Dartmoor all day I slipped on wet grass in the car park! All I can say is do the exercises for the physio and while it’ll take several months to fully build it back to strength it’s worth it. I have no twinges in the cold or problems with mine and it’s surprising how hard you can push it during the physio. Talk to the nurse and ask how you’re doing as most people don’t realise how far they can push it and my physio was leaning hard on my foot to stretch the tendons

Also ask if you need to keep it raised up initially as it stops it swelling up, they didn’t tell me for two weeks

I also had one of those garden wheeled weeding trolleys to scoot around on upstairs, when Mums friend of similar years to you broke hers a year later and Mum jokingly told her she got one and swore by it. It sounds odd but was so much easier than crutches inside. I got a cake out of that when she recovered

[Alan Kettlewell]

Oops! Well I can sympathise as I broke mine back in 2004 after scrambling over rocks on Dartmoor all day I slipped on wet grass in the car park! All I can say is do the exercises for the physio and while it’ll take several months to fully build it back to strength it’s worth it. I have no twinges in the cold or problems with mine and it’s surprising how hard you can push it during the physio. Talk to the nurse and ask how you’re doing as most people don’t realise how far they can push it and my physio was leaning hard on my foot to stretch the tendons

Also ask if you need to keep it raised up initially as it stops it swelling up, they didn’t tell me for two weeks

I also had one of those garden wheeled weeding trolleys to scoot around on upstairs, when Mums friend of similar years to you broke hers a year later and Mum jokingly told her she got one and swore by it. It sounds odd but was so much easier than crutches inside. I got a cake out of that when she recovered

Thanks Paul,

 

No talk of physio just yet but plenty of advice about keeping it raised. Today they fitted a big boot which is better than a cast because I can remove it at home and for bed. Got to admit I find those crutches really hard work. Must try harder..

 

Cheers ... Alan

[PaulRhB]

You’re lucky I had to have mine raised all the time and that made sleeping novel. I ended up strapping the cast to a cushion! If your crutches have hard handles wrap 2-3 layers of thin craftfoam, or I suppose felt would do, around and tape it on. It’s far easier on the hands and easy to replace when it tears.

Ask about physio as soon as the cast is off, they suggested to me I ask the local town hospital rather than the main one in Poole and I got appointments faster and they pretty much left me to it after four sessions as I was doing the exercises. The final test was being allowed to drive and I rang the physio and she told me if I could pump the clutch up and down for five minutes I could drive again. They tend to want to see you if it’s the acceleration & braking foot

Mind you I drove with mine broken to the hospital as once it was on the clutch it was fine and I limped to x-ray. Good job I didn’t take the boots off!

[Alan Kettlewell]

You’re lucky I had to have mine raised all the time and that made sleeping novel. I ended up strapping the cast to a cushion! If your crutches have hard handles wrap 2-3 layers of thin craftfoam, or I suppose felt would do, around and tape it on. It’s far easier on the hands and easy to replace when it tears.

Ask about physio as soon as the cast is off, they suggested to me I ask the local town hospital rather than the main one in Poole and I got appointments faster and they pretty much left me to it after four sessions as I was doing the exercises. The final test was being allowed to drive and I rang the physio and she told me if I could pump the clutch up and down for five minutes I could drive again. They tend to want to see you if it’s the acceleration & braking foot

Mind you I drove with mine broken to the hospital as once it was on the clutch it was fine and I limped to x-ray. Good job I didn’t take the boots off!

Have to admit I don't feel too 'lucky' right now, fed up would describe it, but it's all relative. I'm glad they decided to fit the boot though as sleeping with my leg bare last night was a considerable improvement on the previous nights.

 

The handles on my crutches are hard plastic and they're really painful to use so I've ordered a pair of grips to cover them. I haven't given much thought to driving yet, we have an automatic and it's my right leg that's knackered so I guess driving will be difficult when the time comes.

 

Meanwhile more urgent things - today's challenge is the shower! I'm Just working up a strategy to get in and out of there this morning. One advantage of having a disabled sister-in-law living with you is that she has all the gear. So my missus is about to carry out a stealth raid on her bathroom and steal away with her shower stool and maybe some grab handles. Wish me luck, I'm going in ...

 

Cheers .. Alan

[PaulRhB]

Good luck, at least there’s now mobile internet to read in bed or wherever you are laid, I was stuck with a heavy cast throughout

In the shower I sat on an old plastic beer crate we had in the garage with a piece of ply in a carrier bag to make it less bumpy! I was easy to pop onto from the side of the bath.

I know what you mean about luck and I was bored and spent a lot of time watching dvds and drawing trackplans, which I’m still working my way through

On the driving believe me it’s the physio exercises that make the difference and it took about six months to fully rebuild the strength in the ligaments and muscles so be prepared for building up slowly but it does get there. I was in my 30’s so in theory heal faster but Mums friend was in her early 70’s and it didn’t take much longer. We know of someone else who didn’t do the physio on an ankle break and still walks with a limp.

If you don’t have a couple of stools or crates of different heights that you can ‘borrow’ for the layout room it may be worth looking for them so you can perch on something to rest the foot as you recover once out of the boot.

On the bright side plenty of time to search the net for all those useful bits and ideas

[Alan Kettlewell]

Happy New Year.

 

I fancy having one of these Rangier Tractors (diesel or electric version) knocking around the RhB part of my layout and was wondering if anyone has successfully fitted a DCC chip in one. If space is too limited inside then I'm thinking perhaps a large packing case could be positioned on the platform space to hide a chip. I don't know if the small platform would be used for such a purpose, would this be untypical?

 

Any knowledge or thoughts worth sharing would be appreciated.

 

 

Cheers ... Alan

[PaulRhB]

I haven’t done it but I’ve seen a couple fitted with the decoder below the windows in the cab. I have seen stuff on the platform but rarely and I can’t find photos of one. The Tm2/2 diesel tractor is basically a motorised shunting truck for the station staff with only a handbrake so will only work in station limits on the flat, if they go out on the main it’s always under tow. The Te2/2’s did have continuous brakes so could haul trains on their own out on the mainline and be used for shunting.